Jeremiah 25:29

Authorized King James Version

For, lo, I begin to bring evil on the city which is called by my name, and should ye be utterly unpunished? Ye shall not be unpunished: for I will call for a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, saith the LORD of hosts.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּי֩
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
הִנֵּ֨ה
lo!
#3
בָעִ֜יר
on the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#4
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
קֹרֵא֙
for I will call
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#6
שְׁמִ֣י
by my name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#7
עָלֶ֗יהָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
אָֽנֹכִי֙
i
#9
מֵחֵ֣ל
For lo I begin
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
#10
לְהָרַ֔ע
to bring evil
properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)
#11
וְאַתֶּ֖ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#12
תִנָּק֔וּ
Ye shall not be unpunished
to be (or make) clean (literally or figuratively); by implication (in an adverse sense) to be bare, i.e., extirpated
#13
תִנָּק֔וּ
Ye shall not be unpunished
to be (or make) clean (literally or figuratively); by implication (in an adverse sense) to be bare, i.e., extirpated
#14
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#15
תִנָּק֔וּ
Ye shall not be unpunished
to be (or make) clean (literally or figuratively); by implication (in an adverse sense) to be bare, i.e., extirpated
#16
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#17
חֶ֗רֶב
for a sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#18
אֲנִ֤י
i
#19
קֹרֵא֙
for I will call
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#20
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#21
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#22
יֹשְׁבֵ֣י
upon all the inhabitants
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#23
הָאָ֔רֶץ
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#24
נְאֻ֖ם
saith
an oracle
#25
יְהוָ֥ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#26
צְבָאֽוֹת׃
of hosts
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People